Prairie Bighorn

Prairie Bighorn-Blount, an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe and raised on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana, has forged an impressive path of leadership and community service. Her journey began with a bachelor’s degree in business from Rocky Mountain College, followed by a master’s in business administration from the University of Montana. Post-education, Prairie served at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC. There, she administered contracts for Native American communities across the U.S., securing over $5 million for indigenous economic development and contributing to federal review panels. Returning to her roots, Prairie served as the Comptroller for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, managing $34 million in federal funding and ensuring timely audits. Recognized for her leadership, Prairie received the 2011 National Center for American Indian Economic Development’s 40 Under 40 Award. She now sits on the board of directors for the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology and contributes as a panelist for MIT Solve’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship program. Currently, Prairie serves as the Executive Director of the American Indigenous Business Leader’s organization, championing the cause of increased American Indian representation in business and entrepreneurship, and continuing her legacy of community development.